Update: The new MDCAT Syllabus 2025 has been announced on March 28th 2025 with some important changes across subjects. Keep reading for more details!

What is the MDCAT?

The Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) is an entrance examination for aspiring medical students in Pakistan. It is very important for all aspiring medical students to adequately prepare for this exam as a student’s MDCAT marks are a major factor dictating which medical universities a student is able to attend.

PMDC MDCAT Syllabus

The MDCAT syllabus for each year is developed and shared by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC). PMDC prepares a common syllabus for all candidates and does not favor any group or place over another, so that all candidates are given equal opportunity to perform.

Read on to get all information regarding MDCAT syllabus 2025.

Is the MDCAT 2025 syllabus released?

Many students appearing for the MDCAT or formerly know as MCAT Exam, have the question is MDCAT 2025 syllabus released? Yes, the PMDC new syllabus 2025 has been announced by the mentioned authority.

After the PMDC MDCAT Reform Committee held its first meeting on 27th November 2024 to discuss important updates and changes for the MDCAT 2025 exam, we all expected there to be changes made in the syllabus. This year’s update doesn’t bring a major overhaul, but there are important changes in Biology, and a few tweaks in Chemistry and Physics that students should take seriously.

So rest assured — this isn’t random. It’s designed to improve fairness and clarity for all students.  Keep reading to fully understand the changes and prepare accordingly.

MDCAT NUMS Syllabus 2025

If you are a student who is preparing for NUMS MDCAT, you will find the following article about NUMS Syllabus useful in addition to PMDC MDCAT syllabus 2025.

Overview of MDCAT Syllabus 2025

The following points are to be kept in mind at all times when preparing for the MDCAT on a year-to-year basis:

• MDCAT is a standardized multiple-choice paper-based examination.
• MDCAT is designed to evaluate the problem solving, critical thinking, and knowledge of natural, behavioral, and social sciences concepts and principles of a candidate required to the study of medicine.
• MDCAT will also test the aspirants’ other abilities like intuitive and critical thinking skills.
• PMDC Curriculum 2025 is similar to the PMDC curriculum in 2024, but with a few changes in some subjects.

Major changes in MDCAT 2025 vs 2024

Small but meaningful changes. Focus on the right topics — skip the rest.

Biology – The Most Significant Changes

Biology has undergone the most restructuring.

Restructured Chapters:

• Chapter 9 (Life Processes, 2024) is now broken into:
  • Chapter 13: Gaseous Exchange
  • Chapter 14: Transport
  • Chapter 15: Excretion
  • Chapter 16: Homeostasis

New Topics:

• Functions of Plant Hormones
• Effect of Smoking on the Respiratory System

Removed Topics:

• Discovery of Virus (Acellular Life)
• Cellular Respiration (Bioenergetics)
• Fluid Mosaic Model (Cell Structure)
• Spinal Cord (Nervous Coordination)
• Chemical Coordination (Hormones)
• Digestion (Entire chapter removed)

Biology is more streamlined now. Less clutter = more efficient prep.

Chemistry – One Topic Swapped

Added:

• Reactions of Group IV Elements (Chapter 11)

Removed:

• Reactions of Group III Elements (Chapter 11)

Physics – Single New Addition

Added:

• Stationary Waves in Vibrating Air Columns (Chapter 4)

English & Logical Reasoning – No Changes

These sections remain untouched. The syllabus is the same as in 2024.

MDCAT 2025 Structure

Please find below the exam structure being followed for MDCAT 2025:

• Total number of MCQs: 210
• Duration of MDCAT: 3.5 hours
• Format: Paper-based MCQs
• Minimum passing marks for Medical College Admission: 65%
• Minimum pass marks for Dental College Admission: 55%
• No negative marking

What is the pattern for the MDCAT 2024?

Many students initially researching the question - What is the pattern for the MDCAT 2025?

As per PMDC syllabus, the exam consists of 210 MCQs with each subject having a different weightage. These are given below.

MDCAT 2025 Subject Weightage

The above table shows MDCAT Biology syllabus 2025, MDCAT Chemistry syllabus 2025, MDCAT Physics syllabus 2025, MDCAT English syllabus 2025 and MDCAT Logical Reasoning syllabus 2025.

How to prepare based on the 2025 syllabus

Here’s how to align your prep with the updated PMDC MDCAT 2025 syllabus.

1. Start with What’s New

Update your notes:

• Add Plant Hormones, Effect of Smoking, and the new Physics/Chem topics
• Remove the outdated Biology topics — don’t waste time

Check out the best books for MDCAT preparation to help you ace your exam.

2. Focus on Weightage

• Biology and Chemistry = 124 out of 210 marks
• Make these your daily priorities

3. Revise with Mock MCQs

Practice updated MCQs. Stick to materials that match the exact 2025 MDCAT syllabus.

4. Don’t Ignore Reasoning

Logical Reasoning is 10 free marks with practice — don’t neglect it.

5. Study with Trusted Sources

If you're with Maqsad, you’re covered.

Maqsad’s content, question bank, and lectures are already aligned with the 2025 changes — no guesswork, no outdated topics.

Join 50,000+ students preparing smarter with Maqsad. Download the app and study with confidence.

Check out the following article to see how our students performed last year - Maqsad MDCAT 2024 Results: A Testament to Success

Is MDCAT easy?

Following is the MDCAT MCQs difficulty level which will help you understand the exam better:

• 20% MCQs are easy
• 60% MCQs are moderate
• 20% MCQs are hard

In Biology, Chemistry and Physics section, 70% questions will be recall and 30% will be application level.

Are there only MCQs in MDCAT?

Yes, as per MDCAT test syllabus 2025, students will only assessed by solving MCQs. Students can do MDCAT MCQs practice here.

MDCAT Biology Syllabus

MDCAT biology syllabus 2025 is as follows:

There are 68 MCQs in the Biology section of the MDCAT (34% of the exam).

1. Bio-Diversity (Acellular Life/Variety of life)
2. Bio-Energetic
3. Biological Molecules
4. Cell Structure and Function
5. Coordination and Control/Nervous & Chemical Coordination
6. Diversity among Animals
7. Enzymes
8. Evolution
9. Life Process in Animals and Plants (Nutrition/Gaseous Exchange/Transport)
10. Prokaryotes
11. Reproduction
12. Support and Movement
13. Variation and Genetics/Inheritance
14. Circulation
15. Immunity
16. Respiration
17. Plant Hormones
18. Effect of Smoking on Respiratory System

MDCAT Chemistry Syllabus

MDCAT chemistry syllabus 2025 is as follows:

There are 54 MCQs in the Chemistry section of the MDCAT (27% of the exam).

1. Introduction to Fundamental Concepts of Chemistry
2. Atomic Structure
3. Gases
4. Liquids
5. Solids
6. Chemical Equilibrium
7. Reaction Kinetics
8. Thermo-Chemistry and Energetics of Chemical Reactions
9. Electrochemistry
10. Chemical Bonding
11. S and P Block Elements
12. Transition Elements
13. Fundamental Principles of Organic Chemistry
14. Chemistry of Hydrocarbons
15. Alkyl Halides
16. Alcohols and Phenols
17. Aldehydes and ketones
18. Carboxylic acids
19. Macromolecules

MDCAT Physics Syllabus

MDCAT Physics syllabus 2025 is as follows:

There are 54 MCQs in the Physics section of the MDCAT (27% of the exam).

1. Force and motion
2. Work and energy
3. Rotational and circular motion
4. Waves
5. Thermodynamics
6. Electrostatics
7. Current electricity
8. Electromagnetism
9. Electromagnetic induction
10. Electronics
11. Dawn of modern Physics
12. Atomic spectra
13. Nuclear Physics

MDCAT English Syllabus

MDCAT English syllabus 2025 is as follows:

There are 18 MCQs in the English section of the MDCAT (9% of the exam).

• Comprehend Key Vocabulary
• Demonstrate Control of Tenses and Sentence Structure
• Demonstrate ability to differentiate between correct and incorrect structure of sentences & use of writing conventions of spelling, capitalisation and Punctuation
• Demonstrate ability to identify mistakes in sentences or short written texts.
• Demonstrate ability to comprehend short written text
• Demonstrate ability to comprehend short written text and select the most appropriate responses

MDCAT Logical Reasoning Syllabus

MDCAT Logical Reasoning syllabus 2025 is as follows:

There are 6 MCQs in the Logical Reasoning section of the MDCAT (3% of the exam).

1. Critical Thinking
2. Letter and Symbol series
3. Logical Deduction
4. Logical Problems
5. Course of Action
6. Cause & Effect

Only students who have a comprehensive understanding of the MDCAT 2024 syllabus, along with thorough knowledge of every chapter and topic, will be able to prepare for the exam successfully. Click here to calculate your MDCAT aggregate and determine the marks required to secure admission to your dream medical university.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the curriculum change every year?

Not always. 2025 saw targeted changes, mostly in Biology.

What is the syllabus for the MCAT 2025?

MCAT, Medical College Admission Test, is the previously known name for MDCAT. The exam is the same thus the MCAT 2025 syllabus is the same as PMDC 2025 MDCAT syllabus.

Does FSc marks matter in MDCAT?

Yes, candidates must have completed their intermediate education (FSC pre-medical or equivalent) with at least 60% marks. However, the eligibility criteria for MDCAT varies from province to province.

What are MDCAT passing marks?

Although students and few dental institutions appealed MDCAT passing marks to be lowered, The Honourable Sindh High Court dismissed the applications and held that the Commission had acted within its powers and had correctly set the MDCAT passing marks at 60% and required it as a mandatory condition for admission to colleges.

Thus, a candidate needs to score at least 60% marks to be eligible for admission in MBBS and BDS degrees in Pakistan.

How to score high in MDCAT?

Given how tough MDCAT test syllabus 2025 is and the level of competition that exists, students need to follow a disciplined routine that involves clearing concepts, practicing MCQs and managing their time well. Please read this article which will tell you how to ace the MDCAT with just 10 tips and tricks.

How to get 90% marks in MDCAT?

Thorough preparation by use of proper resources, teachers, study plans and practice is the only thing that can ensure a candidate scores high on the MDCAT Exam.